Coming Together to Heal: Yoga for Families of Addiction

Addiction is widely known as a family disease, yet the resources, information and support for the families of addicts are severely limited. In 2017, twenty-five million Americans over the age of twelve were reported to have an issue related to addiction, and that number is growing daily.

Just shy of 10% of our population is in some sort of unhealthy relationship with alcohol and/or drugs. The tools and resources for the families who live with addicts are limited due to widespread shame and fear. Yoga for Families of Addiction is here to help. Our work bridges the gap between the jarring statistics and the real families who live with the heartbreak of loving someone who struggles with substances.

2016 was my awakening. From the outside I had the perfect marriage and an incredible newborn son; from the inside my relationship was masked in lies and betrayal. Every time I told someone why I was leaving my marriage, I was encouraged by their supportive reactions and stories of addiction and loss, and the subsequent love and light of healing. Through my work I am choosing to support and encourage others. Yoga for Families of Addiction was born out of this desire to serve.

During classes, we create an altar, share in ritual and healing, use discussion influenced by Al-anon as well as gentle yoga movements to support one another. We come together to heal, at our own pace, with people who can relate to our story.

If you’ve lost an addict, if you love, deny or enable an addict, we are here. If you need to hold someone’s hand or be gathered into a hug, we are here. If you need a practice to help you feel held and safe, we are here. If you need tools to remind yourself how to thrive on your own, we are here.

Head shot: Sarah Jayne Photography

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About the Author

Owner of Barefoot Yoga Shala & Founder of Yoga for Families of Addiction, Jenny is a yoga teacher, reiki master, healer, writer and dreamer. After finding yoga 10 years ago Jenny has started a successful non-profit organization, opened Barefoot Yoga Shala in Middleton MA, given birth to a beautiful baby boy and continues to heal her heart and others’ through self-discovery on and off the mat.

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